Academic Clubs

Astronomy Club
The Astronomy Club is a group devoted to observing the sky and its wonders using a variety of instrumentation including the club's own Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. Weekly meetings are at the Grainger Observatory and are spent observing the season's selection of deep sky objects, planets and double stars. When the weather is not so friendly, we plan on future events and discuss current scientific discoveries in astronomy. Adviser: Mr. Blackwell

Branch-Soule Debate Society
Founded in 1811, Branch-Soule is the oldest continuously active student club at Exeter. In the past year the Society has shifted from its previous weekly discussion format to a new one where it asks other campus groups to join in discussing a topic. For example, the Diversity Council and the Afro-Latino Exonian Society participated with us last year in discussing racism at Exeter, and several student Asian groups joined us to discuss assimilation in the U.S. and at Exeter. This year has been a bit different. We held several discussions on Hurricane Katrina and the role of various government entities in the aftermath of the storm, but the results were a disaster as few people were interested in discussing the topic. The Society’s heads are now doing a scrub and re-think about how to reinvigorate the Club, and we are looking forward to the winter term. Funding is provided through appeals to the Student Council, and by some of the other student groups with whom we participate.

Cum Laude Society
The Exeter Chapter of the Cum Laude Society, an honorary society of public high schools and incorporated secondary schools modeled upon the Phi Beta Kappa society, was organized in May 1907. The members are of four classes: charter members; honorary members, of whom each chapter may elect two each year; faculty members; and members in course. These are to be chosen from the graduating class, who have an honors record and stand in the first fifth of the class. The faculty members of the Exeter chapter are: Mr. Chisholm, Mr. Desrochers, Mr. DiCarlo, Ms. Farnham, Ms. Finley, Ms. Girard, Ms. Hamilton, Mr. Hassan, Mr. Hiza, Mr. Ibbottson, Ms. Kemp, Mr. Langford, Ms. MacMullen, Mr. Parris, Mr. Reiter, Mr. Rogers, Ms. Thomas, Mr. Tingley, Mr. Trafton, Mr. Weber, Mr. Vorkink, Mr. Wolfson, and Ms. Wolff. The officers of the Exeter Chapter are: President: Ms. Farnham Vice President: Ms. Girard

Daniel Webster Debate Society
This is the competitive interscholastic debate team at PEA, named after the most famous orator to graduate from the Academy. A bronze statue of Daniel Webster is our mascot! As a member of the Debate Association of New England Independent Schools, the team travels to as many as 12 regional debates a year, mostly in Massachusetts, in competition against peer schools from the New England area and Canada.

Debates are mostly Cross-Examination policy debates (some switch sides) and Parliamentary Extemporaneous. There are also two Public Speaking tournaments and a few hybrids such as a debate for novices in the Parliamentary Extemporaneous style but with a fixed topic. PEA also hosts an annual tournament, which has been the largest in our league. The team has strengthened in the past several years with heightened student interest and the addition of a very experienced, part-time coach. We have a solid nucleus of about 30 people this year. Last year an Exonian went to the World Independent School Public Speaking and Debate Championships (in Cyprus), and acquitted himself honorably. Another Exonian has already qualified for this year’s World Championships, and the team has already won a tournament and finished well in others this year. The Daniel Webster Debate Society is funded by the Academy.

Economics Club
The Economics Club is a business organization on campus. The club works together to form sales ideas that will be popular in the community. By incorporating these ideas, the club learns to deal in sales, business transactions, and balancing an account. From giving scholarships to funding Exeter vs. Andover T-shirts, the club benefits the community greatly as well as simulating a small business.

Exeter's Science and Engineering Society
(ES)2 is an organization dedicated to bringing the world of science outside the classroom. The club participates in and hosts local competitions, takes trips to places of scientific interest, and publishes The Photon, an on-campus magazine informing students of current discoveries in the field of science. (ES)2 is open to all students, and encourages those with a specific interest in science to join. Adviser: Mr. Cosgrove

History Club
History Club is devoted to fostering appreciation and exploration of history at Exeter through regular meetings, debates, film watching/discussion, peer tutoring in history, and occasional historical "events," such as role-playing gatherings or themed parties. Adviser is Ms. Santos.

Kirtland Society
The Kirtland Society's main purpose is to promote the study of the classical world and its literature. The society offers tutoring to Latin and Greek students and sponsors activities such as guest speakers, Certamen, and local field trips. Advisers: Mr. Langford

Mathematics Discussion Group/PEA Math Team
The Mathematics Discussion Group meets two or three times a week to discuss various mathematics topics, do problems, and prepare for competitions, such as the Harvard-MIT Math Tournament, Mandelbrot Competition, American Regional Math League (ARML), AMC10 and AMC 12 tests (formerly American High School Mathematics Exam (AHSME)), American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME), and USA Mathematics Olympiad. A guest speaker is featured regularly during the Wednesday activities. The group welcomes all who are interested in recreational mathematics. Adviser: Mr. Feng

Model United Nations
Provides a hands-on experience to learn more about how the United Nations operates through actual simulation exercises. Adviser: Mr. Schubart

Peer Tutoring: Math, Science & Language
Math/Science Tutoring gives students who are confident about their ability in math and science a chance to tutor other Exeter students. Tutors help students understand concepts in math and science and are available throughout the week to offer help. Adviser: Ms. Girard & Ms. Paris

Quiz Club
Now in its fourth year, the PEA Quiz Club was formed in response to an invitation from NH Public TV to appear on the statewide high school quiz program, “Granite State Challenge” (GSC). Tryouts and practices were held to establish teams, and we were off and running. To date, PEA has appeared on GSC twice, reaching the quarter-finals on both occasions, losing to the eventual champions in each appearance. We also compete in the NH Quiz Bowl League (NHQBL), and have finished runner-up to state champions Hanover HS in two of the last three years.

Our team meets every other week or so for an hour of practice questions and banter, and the Club is a lively and interesting mix of students knowledgeable in a variety of subject areas and disciplines representing a broad cross-section of the student body. We will be hosting a regional NHQBL tournament in January 2006, and the Quiz club hopes to reach the state finals of the NHQBL again in April of 2006. Funding is provided by appealing to the Student Council and other sources, including the Principal’s Discretionary Fund. Adviser is Mr. Farnham

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